Black Student Union receives Big 12 most outstanding council award for seventh year

Thursday, March 6, 2014

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's Black Student Union has been awarded the Clarence Wine Award for Outstanding Big 12 Council of the Year for the seventh time in the past nine years.

The Black Student Union, or BSU, received the award at the 37th annual Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government, Feb. 27 to March 2, at Iowa State University.

Presented annually to an outstanding undergraduate African-American student government or council in the Big 12 Conference, the award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated a serious commitment to unity, academic achievement, scholarship, campus programming and community service.

"It is amazing that K-State's BSU has consistently been able to win this honor over the past decade," said Bryon Williams, assistant director of admissions for Kansas State University and an adviser to Black Student Union. "Seven titles in nine years is unparalleled."

The Black Student Union's freshman class was named the Most Outstanding Freshman Action Team for the second time. This award is given to an African-American student government or council in the Big 12 Conference whose freshman class has showcased the most activism within the community as well as commitment to academics.

In addition, Le'andre Carthen, sophomore in business administration, Wichita, received the Outstanding Big 12 Sophomore of the Year.

"I am also very excited that we have also won the award of Most Outstanding Freshman Action Team for the second consecutive year," Williams said. "With retention and academic stability being top priority for the university, BSU continues to address those needs within the African-American community."

With approximately 85 active members, the Black Student Union sponsors many events throughout the year to spread cultural awareness and help students adjust to college life. The group hosts weekly educational meetings to continue improving the organization and the tradition of earning the award in the future.